Purim – Strength in Times of Adversity

Tonight we celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim, commemorating the Jewish victory over Haman, who sought to annihilate our people. As we read the Book of Esther, we encounter a powerful story of bravery, faith, and moral clarity. At its center stands Esther, a young Jewish woman who rises to become queen of Persia and ultimately risks her life to save her nation. But Purim is more than an ancient account of survival. It is a call for us to live with courage and purpose, and to recognize the difference one life can make.

In Chapter 4 of the Book of Esther, Mordechai learns of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jewish people and turns to Esther with urgency. Until now she has concealed her Jewish identity, protected within the palace walls. Mordechai challenges her to step forward and approach King Achashverosh, even at great personal risk. His words echo across generations: “If you remain silent now, salvation will come from elsewhere… And who knows if it is not for this very purpose that you attained your royal position.” Esther chooses courage over safety. She embraces her responsibility, and through her bravery the Jewish people are saved.

The Purim story resonates deeply with all of us at Libenu. We believe that every person, regardless of ability or disability, is created B’Tzelem Elokim, in the image of Hashem, endowed with unique strengths, gifts, and purpose. Just as Esther discovered that her position was entrusted to her for a reason, we believe every individual has a role to fulfill and a destiny to shape. Everyone has a purpose and when we nurture possibility and foster belonging, we help reveal the meaningful role every individual is meant to play in our community and in the world.

History is echoing loudly in our own time. Around the world, antisemitism is rising with a boldness that feels painfully familiar. We are engaged in a war with Iran, the modern-day Persia, whose leaders openly threatened the Jewish people. The parallels to the Purim story are striking. Then, as now, there are voices calling for our destruction. Once again our response is not despair, but unity and resolve as we are called to be an Am Achad B’Lev Achad, one people with one heart, steady and unwavering in the face of adversity. We prevailed before and with Hashem’s help we will do so again.

Chag Purim Sameach and Am Yisroel Chai.

Shana Erenberg, Ph.D.  CEO